10 of the best hikes in Snowdonia National Park
Home to some of the most dramatic mountains in the UK and with over 1,700 miles of trails to explore, Snowdonia National Park is a hikers dream.
This blog post outlines 10 of the best day hikes in Snowdonia. In my opinion they encompass the best terrain alongside providing you with some of the most breath-taking views within the national park.
That being said, the majority of these hikes are very challenging and might not be for everyone.
They require high levels of fitness, a proper hiking app, the correct gear, and involve elements of scrambling which will either leave you euphoric or may cause you to have a mild panic attack, so proceed at your own risk.
Hikes at a glance:
Snowdon Horseshoe
Tryfan & The Glyderau
Cnicht & The Moelwyns
Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path
Pen yr Ole Wen & The Carneddau
Y Garn via Devils Kitchen
Nantlle Ridge
Moel Siabod
Aber Falls
The Welsh 3000s
Rather than clog up this post with text, each hike has a separate blog post which gives full breakdown of the route, interactive maps, photos, and information on where to park.
Snowdon Horseshoe
Hike Distance: 11.5 Km
Hike Duration: 6-8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,061m
Hike Difficulty: Very hard
Technical aspects: Grade 1 scrambling
There are several routes up and down Snowdon, but there is easily one that stands head and shoulders above the others in terms of wow factor, The Snowdon Horseshoe.
This route is arguably one of the finest day hikes and ridge walks in the UK. And depending on what you're like with heights, will either leave you either astonished or shit scared.
The Horseshoe encompasses everything that’s great about the Snowdon Massif, from jaw-dropping views, tricky knife-edge scrambles, and a certain solitude which you won’t find at the summit.
If you are looking for a less challenging and dangerous route to the summit then my recommendation would be to ascend via the Pyg track and descend via the Miners Path. Both start and finish at the Pen-y-Pass car park.
Crib Goch
Tryfan, Glyder Fach, and Glyder Fawr
Hike Distance: 12km
Hike Duration: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,097m
Hike Difficulty: Very hard
Technical aspects: Grade 1 scrambling
This is a breath-taking day hike which summits the iconic peaks of Tryfan, Glyder Fach, and Glyder Fawr. Not only are the views just as spectacular as summiting Snowdon but here you’ll find a fraction of the crowds,
The route encompasses dramatic alpine-esque scrambles, jaw-dropping 360-degree views, and a series of unique topographical features that you won’t find anywhere else in Snowdonia.
Warning this a very tough mountain day involving summiting three peaks over 3,000ft and ascending/descending several exposed rocky sections. In addition, the initial ascent involves tackling the notorious Tryfan North face, a very exposed route suited for those without a fear of heights and who are comfortable scrambling on steep mountain terrain.
This route should only be attempted with the proper equipment and supplies and should not be undertaken in poor weather.
Looking towards the Snowdon Massif from the summit of Glyder Fawr
Cnicht, Moelwyn Mawr, & Moelwyn Bach
Hike Distance: 15km
Hike Duration: 6-8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,100m
Hike Difficulty: Very hard
Technical aspects: Some minor, non-exposed scrambling
A majestical day hike which is arguably up there with the best in Wales. The 15km loop has it all, sensational panoramic views from three different summits, a wide variety of interchanging landscapes from abandoned slate quarries to hydroelectric dams, and certain remoteness which makes you feel like you are in the last wilderness of Wales.
This would be my choice of hike if I was seeking a epic day out in Snowdonia without the crowds.
For a full breakdown of the hike including where to park, a detailed route guide, alongside photos and I Interactive maps, check out my separate hike guide below.
Moelwyn Mawr
Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path
Hike Distance: 10km
Hike Duration: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 915m
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Technical aspects: None
Cadair Idris or 'Idris's Chair’ as it’s translated too, is one of the three mountains which make up the Welsh Three Peaks.
Shrouded in Welsh myth and legend this mountain lies at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park near the town of Dolgellau.
At 891m it may not be the highest mountain in Wales, but it’s a corker of a hike that certainly packs a punch. On a clear day the summit offers phenomenal 360 panoramic views across southern Snowdonia.
Cadir Idris is a tough hike but isn’t at all technical its also a great way to escape the busier peaks of northern Snowdonia.
Pen Yr Ole Wen & The Carneddau
Hike Distance: 15km
Hike Duration: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 900m
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Technical Aspects: None
This monster 15km hike summits Pen yr Ole Wen, before looping around the Carneddau range to the second-highest peak in Wales, Carnedd Llewelyn (1,064 m).
The route offers tremendous views over the Ogwen Valley towards the iconic peaks of Tryfan and the Glyderau. The hike also involves over 3,000 ft of ascent and descent so don’t forget to pop an ibuprofen and strap up those knees.
Y Garn via Devils Kitchen
Hike Distance: 7.3 km
Hike Duration: 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 610m
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Technical Aspects: Some minor non-exposed scrambling
Y Garn is a summit which boasts incredible panoramic views across Snowdonia, which you could easily argue are the best in the national Park.
I love this hike, mostly because of the view to hike ratio.
Depending on your fitness levels you can reach the summit in an hour if you head up it’s north face rather than the Devils Kitchen.
You can then also take a dip in Llyn Idwal on the way back down.
Because it has 360 vistas it also makes a great summit to watch both the sunset or sunrise from.
Nantlle Ridge
Hike Distance: 11 km
Hike Duration: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 960m
Hike Difficulty: Hard
Technical Aspects: Some minor non-exposed scrambling
A classic ridge walk which will seem like a world away from the crowds of Snowdon.
This hike is easily one of my top three in Snowdonia and one which would implore people to take on.
Alongside have a fraction of the crowds this exhilarating ridgeline isn’t as technical or exposed as Crib Goch or Tryfan, making it a great option for those wanting an easier ridgeline walk.
I would recommend tackling this hike with two cars so you can traverse the whole ridge without doubling back on yourself.
Moel Siabod
Hike Length: 9.2 Km
Hike Duration: 3.5 to 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 738m
Route Difficulty: Hard
Technical Aspects: Some minor non-exposed scrambling
Moel Siabod may not be the highest peak in Snowdonia however the views from its 872m summit are up there with the best in the National Park. On a good day it’s possible to see 13 of the 14 Welsh 3,000’s from the top of this solitary mountain.
This views and a the variety of terrain encountered on this hike make it a great crowd free alternative to the more popular hikes in Snowdonia.
For a full breakdown of the hike including where to park, a detailed route guide, alongside Interactive maps, check out my separate hike guide below:
Aber Falls
Route Length: 2.7 Miles / 4.2 Km
Hike Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 140m
Route Difficulty: Easy
Technical Aspects: None
I thought I would include at least one gentle hike on this list, because you cant abuse your legs everyday of the week.
Situated at the northern foothills of the Carneddau in the far north of the National Park, lies Aber Falls , one of Snowdonia’s most impressive and beautiful waterfalls.
Part of the Afon Goch, the the 37m waterfall dramatically spills down a sheer rock face and crashes into a shallow plunge pool.
The great thing about this walk is that it’s one of the shorter and more accessible walks in the Snowdonia. The 2km pushchair friendly path is perfect for those with families and means that it can be enjoyed by almost everyone.
The Welsh 3000s
Route Length: 45-50km
Hike Duration: 10-24 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,700m
Route Difficulty: Absolutely brutal
Technical Aspects: Too many to name
The most challenging and iconic day hike in Wales which will either provide you with one of the most memorable, or painful mountain days of your life.
The Welsh 3000s challenge involves summiting all 15 peaks in Wales above 3000ft within 24 hours without using any form of transport.
The 24-hour time limit starts when you reach your first peak and stops as soon as you reach the last.
From the first peak to the last the challenge is around 40-42km in length and involves 3,100m of elevation gain.
However when you factor in the hike up to the first peak and the descent down from the last peak, the challenge is closer to 50km in length and involves nearly 3,700m of elevation gain.
It’s a route which requires a huge amount of will power, training, and preparation alongsidethe ideal weather conditions.
Even then there are no guarantees you will finish it.
Having attempted it twice and completed it once, i have first hand experience about how difficult but rewarding the challenge it.
So there’s my 10 favourite day hikes in Snowdonia National Park.
I’d love to know your thoughts, have I missed any out? Which is your favourite?
If I had to pick my top three it would be The Nantlle Ridge, Cnicht, and the Snowdon Horseshoe.
One thing I would reiterate is that all but one ( Aber Falls) of these walks are extremely challenging.
Only attempt them if you have a good standard of fitness, the correct clothing, a proper hiking app, and half decent weather. You really dont want to become another statistic on the mountain rescue website.
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You can find more Welsh hiking inspiration in the following blogs
For more travel, hiking, & photography inspiration around Wales, check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.
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